The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elmer A. Squires (MCSN: 446181), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Chief Scout of the Intelligence Section of the Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 10 July 1944. Leading reconnaissance patrols on hazardous missions including encounters with enemy troops, Corporal Squires rendered valuable assistance in securing important information and capturing prisoners. Although not a part of his regular duties, he also assisted in leading combat patrols to eliminate enemy forces who were hiding in caves for protection and, on these missions, accounted for forty-six of the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.